ISADORE ECHELON COLLECTION REVIEW

WORDS: THOMAS OPSTRUP
PHOTOGRAPHY: ELISABETTA COCO

Isadore Echelon Jersey

Understated aesthetic features the new Echelon Jersey from Isadore. The jersey is made of different pre-dyed high-quality fabrics. The main body and back are made from a traditional weave fabric while the side, the arms, and part of the neck are made from a pre-dyed mesh fabric. Both fabrics seem very durable, something that can last a long time. Because the fabric has a bit of thickness, it is well suited for a wide range of temperatures between 14-25 degrees.

The pockets are well placed on your back so you can easily reach them. They are quite elastic which makes them easy to stuff them. On the other hand, Isadore has chosen to make the side pockets smaller, which makes the jersey fit more fit in conjunction with the body even with things in the pockets.

The downside is that the side pockets are not as usable as those of standard size. So if you want to pack a lot of things in your back pockets like mini pumps, gilet or wind/rain jacket etc. then I would not recommend this jersey for you.

The Isadore Echelon jersey does not have a safety pocket with a zipper, in contrast, an extra compartment inside the middle pocket to separate carried items. Equipped with an inner loophole for headphone cables. The idea behind this middle pocket is not bad, but in reality, if you put your phone in the back middle pocket and fill the outer, middle pocket with something else it is hard to grab the phone and put it back in again. But if used for separate other stuff you carry then it is functional.

BUY THE ISADORE ECHELON JERSEY HERE

Isadore Utility Bib Shorts

The Utility Bib shorts from Isadore are their most technical bib shorts to date. Made of high-quality Schoeller fabric, pre-treated with Coldblack and 3XDRY fabric has been used. The Coldblack treatment gives the bib shorts protection against UV rays and stays cooler than other fabrics on hot days. Personally, I have never really been able to feel the difference from non-Coldblack fabric. Perhaps this is due to small differences in temperature, but the UV protection alone is great when riding under the Sicilian sun.

However, they do feel quite warm as the temperature rises, so I would definitely not recommend them for use in a very hot summer climate. Instead, they are suited for use in changing conditions in lower temperatures and should you be caught in a rain shower the DWR treated fabric does really well to keep you dry on the inside. Use them in North Europe in Spring, Autumn, and mild winter with temperatures between 8-18 degrees. Combine them with leg warmers when the under 15 degrees.

The chamois is a very good Italian made quality designed exclusively for Isadore. It feels incredibly supportive on the bike, but at the same time, it is not bulky. The sides of the bib shorts have panels with a ceramic coating applied. They enhance protection in case of hitting the tarmac. The aesthetic of this ceramic coating is questionable, but to be able to reduce the risk of asphalt wounds in case of a crash is brilliant. The bib shorts also feature a reflective fabric on the area at the back of the thighs to enhance visibility.

BUY THE ISADORE UTILITY BIB SHORTS HERE

ISADORE ECHELON JERSEY

Pros:
High quality fabrics, reinforced pockets, understated aesthetics.

Cons:
Missing a zip pocket, narrow side pockets.

ISADORE UTILITY BIB SHORTS

Pros:
High quality fabrics, Ceramic coating deliver better crash protection, DWR Treatment, High level Chamois

Cons:
Questionable esthetics

ALSO READ THE ISADORE WINTER APPAREL REVIEW